better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

[Howard Sterndrive]

I'm getting tired of the 2 or 3 year lifespan of the trailer wiring connectors.

Are there any trailer-side connectors with maybe a removeable cover and screw terminals or just something that doesn't all break if used in cold weather?
seems like the cold affects it the most - insulation all cracks off.

 

[oregoncruiser]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

It is my opinion, and only my opinion that the flat 4 connector is a temporary plug. I would suggest taking a couple of hours and changing both the tow vehicle and trailer over to a standard 7 pin RV plug. My 03 dodge still has the original socket, and my 1998 shorelander trailer has the 7 pin plugin I installed shortly after bringing the boat home new.

Just my $.02!!!

 

[cyclops2]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

I have a small 1985 trailer with the original Black 4 pins. In New Jersey. Looks fine.
How cold do you get ? Do you use it in very cold weather ?

Mine looks & feels like rubber.

 

[sman60]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

I have a couple of small trailers and a boat trailer that are all 4 pin plugs.
Never had a problem with them it the cold of winter (-15 C).
I recommend a higher quality plug....

It could be the heat of summer baking the plastic or rubber plug, causing it to dry out and become brittle.

Mine also looks and feels like rubber.

 

[JB]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

I take an extra flat 4 and cut the wires off. Then I use the female from that to seal and protect the male on my trailer wiring harness and the male from that to seal and protect the female in my truck adapter or wiring harness. Half dozen winters in the frozen north and another dozen summers in Florida and Texas and I never had to replace one.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

Seems odd that you have that problem. Our snowmobile and boat trailers all have 4 pin connectors, never had to replace one. Sounds like you need to consider a different brand the next time you replace it.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

+2 on the standard 7 pin RV plug. The boat trailer is Ok for now, but the cargo and utility trailers will sometimes get used several times a week, so the 4 pins just don't hold up like the RV plugs.
I don't see a replacement 7-pin on Iboats.com.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/hopkins-trade-connector-trailer-end-7-pole-0143256

 

[buildmark]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

I agree with the rv plug or one like this, http://www.tractorsupply.com/hopkins-trade-connector-trailer-end-7-way-1430410

Either one will do. This one is typically used in utility trailers and goose neck trailers and supports electric brakes like the rv one does.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

my 1997 shoreland'r trailer has the original flat 4 connector. my buddy has the original flat 4 on his snowmobile trailer. both have been kept outside for years

where are you buying your trailer wiring?

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

This is a 3 year old REESE brand. the insulation cracks as soon as I bend it even a slight radius.
I can go to 10 stores and they all sell this brand and this brand only. some sort of monopoly on Taiwanese electrical parts.

I shrink-wrapped the whole first 2 feet of wiring on the one I put on yesterday... including the connector. We'll see if that helps. it will keep it rigid if nothing els, the connector can't break the insulation off as easy.

Must be the local climate. My neighbour borrowed my trailer in the fall, and I was showing him how to connect the broken ground wire by shoving it in the socket... he said he knows- every one he's ever had all break there too.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

That does look like an absolute piece of junk. Try one of these:
http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Wesbar/W787264.html

 

[puma4440]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

I've had good luck with Hopkins, but I think I'll go with that Wesbar oldjeep has in his link the next time.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

I am fairly good about keeping my plugs covered/greased on my trailers when not in use. I also use electrical tape to bind the wires together and rarely suffer any failures. Remember to look UP into the tounge and ensure there is GOOD shiny metal or you'll be looking for gremlins in the wiring. I use a wire brush on my drill, then a light coat of grease to preserve.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

I am not a big fan of the flat 4 pin plug. I have the opposit problem though. I have both 4 pin and 7 on my truck and the 4 pin got corroded as it doesn't seal well. I had to get a 7 pin to 4 adaptor and will probably end up rewiring the trailer to 7 pin. I like jb's idea of using an extra plug as a cap though.

 

[JimS123]

Re: better quality flat 4 pin trailer wiring

I have the same plug you do. The one on my trailer is an orignal 1984, abnd the car end is an original 1980. They both look like brand new.

The trailer is kept in the garage, and the car plug is kept in the trunk. If you have your plugs dangling outside the back end of the vehicle in the salt, snow and sun, that's probably your problem.